Helicopters Fly-In for American Heroes Air Show June 18

SEATTLE, June 8, 2011--June 18 is a day of heroes and helicopters at The Museum of Flight. The admission-free family-friendly American Heroes Air Show and Code 3 public service recruitment fair features static displays of a wide variety of helicopters, vehicles, special presentations, helicopter rides and entertainment in the Museum's parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Special guests include crab fishing boat Capt. Keith Colburn and crabber deckhand Edgar Hansen from the Deadliest Catch reality TV show. The two fishermen will be available to meet Air Show visitors.

The annual event demonstrates how helicopters play an important role in law enforcement, fire service, public safety, communications, national defense and homeland security. Representatives from organizations including local flight schools, Border Patrol, search and rescue units, federal agencies and the U.S. Army, Navy and Coast Guard will be on hand to answer questions. Rides in civilian helicopters will be available for $50.

New Permanent Helicopter Exhibit Opens

The day also marks the opening of a new helicopter exhibit in the Museum featuring a former Coast Guard helicopter, the classic Sikorsky HH-52 Seaguard. This helicopter was last stationed at Port Angeles, Wash., and was retired in 1982. There will be a dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. with representatives from the Museum and the Coast Guard. Speakers include Museum President and CEO Doug King, HH-52 restoration leader Coast Guard pilot Lt. Mark Haines, and Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles Commander Richard Hahn. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore, Thirteenth Coast Guard District Commander and "Ancient Albatross of the Coast Guard," will speak about the significance of the HH-52 during its operation in the Northwest. The ceremony is open to the public, and free with admission to the Museum.

Helicopter Book Signings

The Museum is hosting an all-day book signing party with some of Northwest's top aviation writers including Jay Spenser and Steve Vermillion. Spenser is the author of "Whirlybirds: A History of U.S. Helicopter Pioneers;" Vermillion's autobiography, ""Dustoff - No Compromise! No Rationalization! No Hesitation! Fly the Mission," is about helicopter medivac flying during the Vietnam War. The event is free and located in the Museum lobby, with books available for purchase.

Schedule of Events

7:30 a.m.

Aircraft begin arriving. The public is welcome to come early and watch. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be available to early visitors.

8:30 a.m.

Capt. Keith Colburn of the Fishing Vessel Wizard arrives to meet with fans and crews before the show opens.

10 a.m.

Gates open and helicopter rides begin.

11 a.m.

Dedication ceremony of the Sikorsky HH-52 helicopter exhibit in the Museum Side Gallery.

1 p.m.

Edgar Hansen, deckhand on the Fishing Vessel Northwestern, presents the U.S.Coast Guard with a certificate of appreciation in the Museum's Allen Theater. Accepting for the Coast Guard are flight crews from USCG Air Stations Port Angeles and Astoria. Included in the program is a Discovery Channel video of actual Coast Guard helicopter rescue operations at sea. The audience is encouraged to ask questions of the Coast Guard personnel in attendance.

The non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest independent air and space museums in the world. The Museum's collection includes more than 150 historically significant air- and spacecraft, as well as the William E. Boeing Red Barn® -- the original manufacturing facility of the Boeing Co. The Airpark includes outdoor displays with the first jet Air Force One, a Concorde airliner, and the first Boeing 747 jumbo jet. The Museum aeronautical library and archival holdings are the largest on the West Coast. The Education Office offers weekend family programs, programs for students and educators, and overnight camps for children. McCormick & Schmick's Wings Café is on site.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field half-way between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $13 for active military, $9 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Group rates are available. Admission on the first Thursday of the month is free from 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visitwww.museumofflight.org